Mexico has stepped forward to host Iran’s national football team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup following reports that the United States declined to accommodate the team during the tournament. Even though Iran’s matches in the group stage will take place in the U.S., Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico agreed to the request from FIFA to host the Iranian squad.
The Iranian team will now establish its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, which is conveniently close to the U.S. border and San Diego, California. This change was officially confirmed by FIFA when they released the list of team base camp locations. Initially, Iran intended to set up their World Cup headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, but escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns about U.S. sanctions complicated those plans.
President Sheinbaum stated that Mexico is open to accommodating the Iranian team and is working with FIFA to finalize the necessary logistical arrangements. Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj noted that relocating to Tijuana would help the team avoid potential visa issues and mentioned that Iran Air flights would facilitate direct travel to Mexico.
The U.S. State Department commented that Iran is still welcome to participate in the World Cup, although it did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision not to host the team within the United States. Despite the relocation, the Iranian team will continue to compete in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.